Why it’s unlikely Chiefs’ Travis Kelce would sign with another team, despite report
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Reports say Travis Kelce likely will play a 14th NFL season this year.
- Sources and analysts disagree on whether Kelce will stay with the Chiefs.
- Agent talks with other teams could be used to boost Kelce’s pay from the Chiefs.
Buckle up.
NFL free agency begins Monday, and there is certain to be a flood of reports about players signing or negotiating with new teams.
Ahead of the start of free agency, there already has been plenty of speculation and conjecture. For example, The Athletic reported tight end Travis Kelce, who is a free agent, likely will return for the 2026 season. But ... that story said it is no guarantee he will return to the Chiefs.
“Tight end Travis Kelce is expected to return to play for a 14th season this year, league sources say,” wrote Dianna Russini and Jesse Newell. “The twist: It isn’t a sure thing that the team he plays for would be the Kansas City Chiefs. Kelce’s representatives are expected to talk to multiple teams. “
It’s rare for a player to spend all of a 14-year career with one team, so who knows what the future holds for Kelce and the Chiefs. At least one Eagles fan was dreaming of Kelce wearing a Kelly green No. 87 jersey.
But it seems more likely that the release of this story is an effort by Kelce’s agents to get the Chiefs to pay a few more bucks. At least that’s how the situation appears to me.
One other possibility: If Kelce’s agents do indeed talk with other teams, it could be to establish what the Chiefs should pay him.
Why it’s unlikely Kelce would leave the Chiefs
First, it’s important to remember that Kelce said a few years ago on the “Bussin With The Boys” podcast he couldn’t imagine playing for another team at this point.
And the AP’s Rob Maadi shared this on X: “Reported this at the combine: Travis Kelce is scheduled to become a free agent next month. A person with knowledge of Kelce’s thinking told The Associated Press the four-time All-Pro tight end will not test the market. If the 36-year-old Kelce returns for a 14th season, it’ll be in Kansas City with coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.”
Fox Sports’ Nick Wright said Sunday there is no way Kelce signs with another team.
UPDATE: The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday that “Kelce is expected to return to Kansas City for a 14th season, a message that’s been delivered to teams who will want him. “
This story was originally published March 9, 2026 at 7:07 AM.
